Sales receipt
Sales receipt is a proof-of-payment document issued after a sale or payment is completed. It confirms what was sold, the amount paid, date, and payment method. Businesses use it for point-of-sale transactions, tax records, and returns; it differs from an invoice, which requests payment before the sale is complete.
Sales receipt Sample
Sales receipt
123 Business Street, City, Country
Phone: (123) 456-7890
Email: contact@company.com
Sales receipt
Bill To:
Client Name
Client Address
Client City, Country
Phone: (987) 654-3210
Email: client@example.com
Invoice #: 12345
Date: 2024-10-10
Due Date: 2024-11-10
| Item | Description | Qty | Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product A | Item purchased | 1 | $49.00 | $49.00 |
| Product B | Item purchased | 2 | $22.00 | $44.00 |
| Subtotal | $93.00 | |||
| Tax (10%) | $9.30 | |||
| Total Due | $102.30 | |||
An invoice should include your business or name, the customer’s details, the date and invoice number, and a line-by-line breakdown of what was provided. Including payment terms—such as due on receipt, Net 15, or Net 30—helps you get paid on time and keeps records clear for taxes.
Supporting resources
| Resource | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Invoice vs receipt | Benchmark | Invoice = request for payment (before payment). Receipt = proof of payment (after payment). Both may be needed for accounting and audits. |
| Receipt requirements (IRS) | Government | Keep records of income; receipts document cash and non-cash sales for tax reporting and audits. |
| CRA-compliant receipt (Canada) | Government | Include business name, GST/HST number, date, amount, description of goods/services, and payment method for tax compliance. |
| QuickBooks – Invoice vs Receipt | Industry guide | When to use each: invoice for credit sales and B2B; receipt for immediate payment and proof of purchase. |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between a sales receipt and an invoice?
- An invoice is sent to request payment before or at the time of sale. A sales receipt is issued after payment as proof that the customer paid and what they bought.
- When should I give a customer a receipt?
- Issue a receipt when payment is received—at point of sale for cash/card, or after an invoice is paid. Many customers and accountants expect both an invoice and a receipt for B2B transactions.
- What must a sales receipt include for tax purposes?
- Business name and contact, date, description of items or services, amounts, total paid, and payment method. Some jurisdictions require tax ID or registration number on receipts.